The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden will dazzle in three million lights during the PNC Festival of Lights opening for its 36th season Nov. 17.

New this year: Plan-ahead pricing allows that offers discounted tickets for select dates online in advance.

Prices for traditionally lower-traffic nights, such as Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, will be as much as half the cost of those purchased for the most popular nights.

Prices will go up based on demand for certain nights, so buy early to get the best rate.

Discount tickets are also available at any area Kroger, good for $2 off adult and $1 off child admission any night of the event.

Festivities stretch beyond the lights to include the BB&T Toyland Express, a search for fairies in Fairyland, the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, a light wall, outside 4D theater and 22 larger-than-life animal lanterns.

You can also roast s'mores over an open fire, write Santa a letter at the Holiday Post Office, and enjoy fresh roasted nuts and other holiday treats.

Here's a tip: A 35-foot-tall tree blanketed with more than 20,000 LED lights in the Zoo’s Historic Vine Street Village makes a great family photo backdrop.

Madcap puppets will also be on hand for black-light puppet shows at 6:30 pm., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each night, with an extra 9:30 p.m. show on Fridays and Saturdays.

The new indoor Gorilla World will be open and is among 12 indoor heated buildings where animals will be keeping warm and taking visitors. The recently-renovated Wings of the World birdhouse will be open until 5 p.m. daily.

Santa will arrive at the North Pole Village to meet children an hour before other festivities at 4 p.m.

Buy Photo

Zoo goers take a stroll with the fairies at The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden(Photo: Madison Schmidt for The Enquirer)

A preview event for zoo members only is set for 5-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.

General admission is $12 for children 2-12 and seniors 62 and up, and $17 for adults. Admission that includes rides is $19 for children and seniors, $24 for adults. Adventure tickets, which include admission, rides and the 4D experience, are $21 for children and seniors, $26 for adults.